Wash. Times Names Wash. Post Reporter as Exec. Editor

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Washington Times on Monday named Washington Post investigative reporter John Solomon as its executive editor.

Solomon replaces Wesley Pruden, who has been with the paper since its inception in 1982.

Pruden had been the paper's editor-in-chief for the last 16 years and also wrote a regular column, "Pruden on Politics." Pruden plans to continue writing the column.

Pruden acknowledged that it was unexpected for The Washington Times to turn to the Post for its new editor. The Times is often viewed as the conservative alternative to the much larger Post.

"We've built our reputation by being the fearless alternative to the Post and the mainstream media - rowdy, independent and politically incorrect by design - and I've been assured that won't change," Pruden said.

After a 20-year career with The Associated Press, Solomon joined the Post last year, working as an investigative reporter focusing on politics and money. He was named the AP's director of multimedia investigative reporting in 2005 after spending six years as an assistant bureau chief in Washington.

Solomon said the Times plans to redesign its Web site and expand its multimedia reporting, among other initiatives.

Washington Times President Thomas P. McDevitt called Solomon "a working journalist, innovative manager and skilled leader who can navigate the complicated media landscape while maintaining traditional news values and credibility."

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